10th December 2021

Presteigne pupil gears up for career in mechanics after making leap from specialist autism school to city service centre

A Presteigne pupil with autism is looking towards a career in the mechanical industry after successfully spending time on work experience in a city servicing centre.

Nathan Mansell is hoping to start an apprenticeship in future after securing a work placement at Griffiths Auto Services in his home city of Hereford.

The 16 year-old, who lives with his mum Sam and dad Mark in the King’s Acre area, is looking to make the move when his full-time education at Summergil House, run by Orbis Education and Care, comes to an end next year.

Mark said making the move from full-time schooling into the world of work was significant for any teenager, but was something which could never be taken for granted for those living with autism like Nathan.

Mark, who approached Griffiths Autos on behalf of his son, was really pleased when Georgia and Billy Griffiths said they would love to give Nathan a chance.

Griffiths Autos owner, Billy Griffiths, said:

“Nathan wants to work, he’s itching to get into the workplace and he wants to start earning money. We, as Griffiths Autos, are very proud of being able to help Nathan get into the workplace, he has fit in with us all so well and we are very happy with the work he’s been doing."

Mark added: “Billy does have previous knowledge of children with autism as a condition and I think that’s what pushed him to go the extra mile and actually take Nathan on.”

“Nathan communicates with people there, he’s mixing with customers at the garage and from day one he’s just got stuck in. He absolutely loves it and we’re chuffed to bits with what Billy has done for him.”

It is widely acknowledged that people with autism face multiple disadvantages throughout their lives that can result in a lack of confidence, not to mention the many valuable skills they are able to bring to the workplace often going to waste in return.

Earlier this year, data from the Office for National Statistics showed just 22% of autistic adults to be in any kind of employment*, a lower figure than previously estimated by the likes of the National Autistic Society.

So, for those who have been working with Nathan at Summergil House since he was a child, seeing him become a confident young man who is in the process of creating a future pathway into employment beyond his time at the school has been a huge delight.

Eve Hodnett, Head of Education at Summergil House, said:

“The pathway into full-time employment is rarely straight forward for anyone, but can involve a great many additional barriers and challenges for those living with autism.”

“These barriers each person must overcome in order to carve out a way forward for themselves are also unique to every individual, so what the future holds for those living with autism often involves a significant amount of uncertainty in the process.”

“To see Nathan so fully committed to a role which holds such promise and potential for his future beyond his time with us at Summergil House is an absolute delight for those of us who have seen him grow from a quiet child into the young man he is today,” Eve added.

“He is a shining example of how anyone can follow their passions in life regardless of what their challenges may be. We are all so proud to count Nathan as one of our own here at Summergil House and can’t wait to see what the future holds for him.”

Orbis Education and Care runs 16 schools, day services and residential services for children and adults in Wales and England which support people with complex needs associated with autism.

At Summergil House, this includes 18 acres of nature trails, play areas, a giant polytunnel and a large chicken coop, alongside a sports hall, hydrotherapy pool and shared residential kitchens, dining rooms and lounges.

Orbis is currently recruiting specialist staff to join its schools and care homes around Wales, including Summergil. Visit Orbis’ website for more information about the group and the vacancies: www.orbis-group.co.uk.